INFORMATION ON SPASTICITY

Spasticity is uncontrolled disorder related to muscle contractions in muscles those are not synchronized with other muscles. The condition can interfere with walking, movement, or speech. Most muscles in our body come in pairs that work in reverse ways to each other. When one is contracted, then the other is stretched and when one is stretched then on that same time other is contracted. The biceps and triceps are the examples of these types of muscles. Sometimes, slight level of spasticity may be helpful to you. Due to the muscle movement, the circulation may improve due to this minor muscle movement and this movement also helps to maintain the shape and bulk of your muscles. But in severe condition of spasticity, it can interfere with functional activities such as transfers, weight shifts, in walking etc.

SYNONYMS OF SPASTICITY

Synonyms of Spasticity are:

1. Hypertonicity.
2. Increased muscular tone.
3. Upper motor neuron syndrome.
4. Spinal cord injury.
5. Multiple sclerosis.

CAUSES OF SPASTICITY

There are various reasons and any one of them can be cause of muscles contractions and you may have spasticity. Any severe head injury, spinal cord injury, brain trauma and stroke are the main causes of spasticity. The other reason for happening spasticity may include Cerebral palsy, Neurodegenerative illness, Phenylketonuria and Multiple sclerosis etc. Sometimes few metabolic diseases are also leads to the spasticity.

SYMPTOMS OF SPASTICITY

Spasticity is a condition in which a muscle, or groups of muscles, is continuously or repeatedly contracted. This continual contraction causes stiffness or tightness of the muscles and can interfere with movements, speech, and walking.

Symptoms of Spasticity are:
1 Problem while walking due to muscle contraction.
2 Increased muscle tone means hypertonicity.
3 Rapid muscle tightening.
4 Muscles spasms.
5 Severe pains and rapid sttiness etc.

DIAGNOSIS OF SPASTICITY

Tests under diagnosis include:

1. Blood smear.
2. Elevated globulin levels.
3. Low albumin levels.
4. Elevated ESR.
5. Lymph node aspiration.
6. Low red blood cell count in blood.

TREATMENT OF SPASTICITY

The first main treatment of spasticity is rest. Bad rest will help is muscles contraction. Some well known drugs for muscle contractions are baclofen, diazepam, dantrolene, or clonazepam. Sometimes in severe cases surgical treatments may be used.

There are some treatment options such as:
1. Oral medications and local anesthetics.
2. Injections of botulinum toxin type A and phenol.
3. Baclofen pump insertion.
4. Physical therapy and Occupational therapy.